Darzalex
Generic name:daratumumab [ DAR-a-TOOM-ue-mab ]
Drug class:CD38 monoclonal antibodies
What is Darzalex?
Darzalex is a monoclonal antibody that blocks a certain protein in the body that can affect tumor cell growth. Monoclonal antibodies are made to target and destroy only certain cells in the body. This may help to protect healthy cells from damage.
Darzalex is used to treat multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer).
Darzalex is sometimes given after other cancer treatments did not work or have stopped working.
Darzalex is sometimes used in combination with other cancer medicines plus a steroid medicine called dexamethasone.
Warnings
If you need to receive a blood transfusion, be sure to tell your caregivers that you are being treated with Darzalex.
If you've ever had hepatitis B, using daratumumab can cause this virus to become active or get worse. Tell your doctor if you don't feel well and you have right-sided upper stomach pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Carefully follow all instructions about the use of birth control while you are using Darzalex in combination with other medicines.
Darzalex side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Darzalex:hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, itchy, nauseated, or if you have a headache, stuffy nose, runny nose, cough, fever, chills, wheezing, trouble breathing, or a tight feeling in your throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
cough with yellow or green mucus;
stabbing chest pain, wheezing, feeling short of breath;
numbness, tingling, burning pain; or
low blood cell counts - fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.
Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
Common Darzalex side effects may include:
fever;
shortness of breath;
nerve problems causing tingling, numbness, or pain;
feeling tired or weak;
swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; or
cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat.
